Component 4

After the cyclone Idai in March 2019, ARA Centro was able to measure the maximum flood levels in the Buzi valley. Resulting in a flood risk map, that shows which areas of the river valley are at risk for such an extreme flood. This map enables necessary discussions about land use planning.

Flood risk management

Flood risk management is part of the Blue Deal project. Proper land use planning in river valleys is a must, to avoid damage by floods. Flood risk maps are crucial for discussions about land use planning.

Measure flood levels

After the extreme flood that was caused by the cyclone Idai in March 2019, flood levels were visible in the landscape of the Buzi valley. With the support of the Blue Deal project, ARA Centro measured these flood levels. A flood risk map emerged. This map shows which areas of the river valley are at risk when such an extreme flood occurs.

Initiate discussions

New discussions about land use in the Buzi Valley will be initiated. All the organizations that are responsible for land use planning, will be involved. The discussions will be based on the flood risk map that is now available.

The Blue Deal project intends to start a Flood Risk unit at ARA Centro in Beira. In this Flood Risk Unit, staff will be trained to use hydrological models for better prediction of time and level of floods.

In March 2019 the Cyclone Idai caused a lot of damage to the office of ARA Centro. DWA expert Jan den Besten took the initiative to collect funds in the Netherlands to support ARA Centro in repairing the damage. Due to this quick action of the DWA partners ARA Centro managed to repair the roof and the damage inside the office before the next rainy season that started in November 2019. With a few months of delay, we are glad that our partnership can make a start with the Flood Risk Unit in 2020.

The Blue Deal effect: What impressed Jan was the mutual feeling of solidarity between the partners. To have the basic office infrastructure in place is an important condition for the staff to perform its tasks. "This was felt in the Netherlands too and I am glad that we were able to help a little bit in solving the situation caused by IDAI”, according to Jan.

The road to positive outcomes: ‘’Small contributions can lead to huge impact’’